"What we need is some new ideas. Alan will change things up and he's got his own ideas," director of rugby Jim Mallinder told BBC Northampton.

Analysis

Alan Dickens now has a fantastic chance to prove he has the tactical and creative nous to reawaken the Saints from their mid-term slumber.

He'll also have to sort out the defence which has been breached far too many times these past few months. Jim Mallinder says he's in no rush to appoint and may sign separate defence and attack coaches.

But with a crucial end of year fixture list looming, fresh thinking and ideas are essential.

"The backs have at times played some decent rugby but we've made a number of mistakes and not scored as many tries as we'd have liked."

Mallinder continued: "Alan has done really well with the academy and the Wanderers and we'll see how it goes. I'm sure he'd love the job."

Dickens, 36, had a 10-year playing career in the Premiership with Saints, Saracens, Leeds Carnegie and Sale Sharks and also coached Derby RFC in the final two years before his retirement.